ADVANCE MEMPHIS PROGRAMS

Our programs empower the members of our community to recognize their skills and value as unique and gifted individuals–children of a Father in who created all of us to find joy and meaning in work. Building on that, each program is a stepping stone towards financial independence in the areas of GETTING READY TO WORK, WORKING, MANAGING MONEY, and CONTRIBUTING TO COMMUNITY CHANGE.

GETTING READY TO WORK

WORK LIFE
Work Life is a soft job-skills training program for people who are unemployed or underemployed. The program inspires and equips participants to find and keep meaningful work. Work Life builds community because real and lasting change comes through relationships. Work Life was developed with The Chalmers Center and with Jobs for Life.

HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY PREPARATION PROGRAM
Passing the GED or HISET opens the door to more employment opportunities and is a first step leading to higher education and higher wages. Students can attend day or evening high school equivalency classes and are given the opportunity to meet individually with tutors to focus on problem areas. Our program is offered in partnership with HopeWorks.

COUNSELING AND OVERCOMING THROUGH CHRIST RECOVERY GROUPS
Advance Memphis offers a variety of wrap-around services to participants at no cost. These include access to: a licensed marriage and family therapist and weekly addiction recovery meetings.

ANGER MANAGEMENTAnger Management is a part of Work Life that helps participants learn to manage feelings and behaviors that fuel anger. The facilitator is MRT certified by Correctional Counseling Inc. This program is recognized by the Shelby County Court System.

WORKING

ADVANCE MEMPHIS STAFFING PROGRAM
Started in 2009, the Advance Memphis Staffing Program serves the staffing needs of Advance’s business partners by forming relationships with businesses that request not one or two, but dozens of employees per week. From our management position, we are able to evaluate workers and help them improve, while also responding quickly and effectively to the needs of our business clients.

EMPLOYMENT SUPPORTEmployment Support assists Jobs for Life graduates with resumes, employment applications, job searches, workshops addressing various roadblocks graduates may encounter in seeking employment, and temporary/temp-to-hire opportunities for work through Advance Memphis Staffing.

MANAGING MONEY

FAITH & FINANCESFaith & Finances is a 12-week evening course empowering participants to track income and expenses, develop a budget, prepare for emergencies, avoid debt, and more. Technical content on finances is integrated with the life-changing message for rich and poor alike: that Jesus is making all things new and that He wants to use our finances as a part of His kingdom work. Graduating from this course is a prerequisite for those wanting to open an Individual Development Account.

INDIVIDUAL DEVELOPMENT ACCOUNT PROGRAM
An Individual Development Account (IDA) is a savings account that allows Faith & Finances graduates to receive $2 for every $1 deposited from earned income, with the goal to increase net worth through the habit of saving and the purchase of assets. Savings are used for purchase of a car or house, starting a small business, or obtaining a degree.

CONTRIBUTING TO COMMUNITY CHANGE

LAUNCH PROGRAM
LAUNCH is a 10-week entrepreneurship program designed for individuals interested in starting their own business or who have already started their own business. It offers training, support, and mentoring, all focused on the basics of getting a business up and running.

COMMUNITY STEERING COMMITTEE
Program alumni make up this advisory board, helping to determine new programs and directions and shape policies for Advance Memphis.

Our Mission

Advance Memphis serves adults in the South Memphis neighborhoods of 38126 and 38106 by empowering them to acquire the knowledge, resources, and skills to be economically self-sufficient through the gospel of Jesus Christ.